AI for Advancement & Marketing

Tools to Support, Not Replace, Your Team

By Lara Gopp
Marketing Manager| Fortify Foundation

As Marketing Manager for Fortify Foundation, I get the opportunity to attend Christian school conferences across the country throughout the year. This year, a recurring theme in conversations with marketing and advancement leaders stood out:

Should we use AI and if so, how can we do it ethically and responsibly?

Across schools of all sizes, leaders are exploring how AI can help their teams streamline work, strengthen donor relationships, and amplify their mission without compromising the school’s voice, values, or the individualized touch that is central to Christian education.

The conversation isn’t theoretical; it’s practical. Small advancement offices and larger marketing teams alike are discovering ways to leverage AI to focus on what matters most: mission-driven initiatives and meaningful relationships.

Limited staff and the desire to work more strategically are prompting leaders to explore new approaches. Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, schools are experimenting with innovative solutions, such as AI for routine tasks so their teams can concentrate on high-impact initiatives, mission-critical priorities, and nurturing authentic relationships.From conversations with school leaders nationwide, the message is clear: they’re taking measured steps to integrate AI into marketing and advancement in ways that support, not replace their team’s relational work

1. Free Staff to Build Relationships
Routine tasks like drafting newsletters, formatting emails, or scheduling social media posts, can consume hours each week. By using AI to streamline these efforts, staff can dedicate more energy to:

• Personalized outreach to donors and families
• Handwritten notes and phone calls
• Strategic engagement that strengthens long-term relationships

AI is a tool to amplify, not replace, the human touch, ensuring that authentic connections remain at the heart of advancement efforts.

2. Use Data to Focus Efforts
AI can also help teams analyze donor engagement trends and giving patterns, providing insights to make strategic decisions:

• Identify campaigns and communications with the greatest impact
• Personalize outreach based on donor interests and history
• Allocate staff time to initiatives that advance the mission

Even with AI insights, human judgment remains essential. Data supports decision-making but never replaces the discernment needed to maintain mission alignment.

3. Streamline Content and Storytelling
Storytelling is central to Christian school marketing and advancement. AI can assist by:

• Summarizing longer narratives for newsletters or social media
• Suggesting formatting and layouts for clarity and impact
• Organizing photos, videos, and multimedia into ready-to-use templates

With routine content production simplified, staff can spend more time capturing authentic stories from students, teachers, and alumni, keeping messaging compelling and mission driven.

4. Simplify Event Planning and Engagement
Event planning and donor communications often involve juggling many details. AI can help by:

• Creating event timelines and checklists
• Automating reminders and follow-ups
• Analyzing attendance and engagement trends for targeted outreach

With logistics streamlined, staff can focus on personal connections and stewardship, the elements that truly drive long-term support.

5. Address Skepticism and Ethical Use
It’s natural for school leaders to be cautious about AI. Common concerns include:

• Maintaining mission alignment and school values
• Protecting sensitive student and donor information
• Ensuring messaging remains authentic and relational

I found the consensus among leaders to be that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human oversight. Staff should review every message, report, or communication to ensure it aligns with the school’s mission and values.

Leaders would often use the disclaimer: While AI can assist with drafting, analytics, and organization, human review and final approval are always recommended.

6. Preparing for a Mission-Focused Year Ahead
As schools plan for the year ahead, leaders are:

• Conducting workload audits to identify where AI can reduce repetitive tasks
• Aligning initiatives with mission and relationship priorities
• Ensuring storytelling, donor engagement, and student experiences remain central

By thoughtfully integrating AI, teams can reclaim time for strategic work, deepen relationships, and advance the school’s mission.

There’s no doubt AI is emerging as a strategic partner for marketing and advancement teams. Used thoughtfully, it frees staff to focus on mission-driven work and meaningful relationships while maintaining the personal touch that defines Christian school advancement.

Schools taking the plunge are discovering that efficiency and authenticity can work together, ensuring every effort supports students, teachers, donors, and the broader mission.

Contact us for more information.